English Reference
conjunction · adverb

wherever

conj. · adv.
US /hwɛˈɹɛvɝ/ UK /weəɹˈɛvɐ/ wher·ev·er

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    conj.in or to any place that something happens or exists.

    conj.in, at, or to any place that; used to introduce a subordinate clause describing a location.

    Simple

    You can sit wherever you like in the cinema since it is nearly empty.

    In context

    The dog followed him wherever he went, refusing to leave his side even for a moment during the long hike.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    conj.it does not matter which place something is in.

    conj.regardless of the place in, at, or to which something occurs.

    Simple

    Wherever you go on holiday, make sure to take your passport.

    In context

    Wherever the investigation leads, the committee is determined to uncover the truth behind the financial discrepancy.

    no matter where
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adv.a stronger way to say 'where' when you are surprised or confused.

    adv.an emphatic form of the interrogative 'where', typically used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion.

    Simple

    Wherever did you find that beautiful old map?

    In context

    Wherever could they have gone at this time of night without leaving a note or locking the front door?

    where on earth
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adv.any place that a person chooses.

    adv.in or to any place whatever; used as a standalone adverbial to indicate total freedom of location.

    Simple

    We can go to the park, the beach, or wherever.

    In context

    The budget allows us to host the conference in London, Paris, or wherever the board deems most convenient for the international delegates.

Usage wherever possible

They didn’t know what I had already lost.” She searched for answers through prayer and sought help wherever she could.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

They aren’t sure: “I am quite lost, wherever I am.

The Guardian· 10 Aug 2026

From where + ever.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated